Scientists work at creating a 'robocar'

July 3, 2007

A U.S. government competition is under way with scientists at 53 universities and other institutions developing "robocars" -- cars of the future.

The robocars must be designed to operate by themselves, with people serving only as passengers. The competition will be narrowed by October to 30 semi-finalists whose entries will be judged by the ability to navigate a simple network of roads with other vehicles present.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's third "DARPA Urban Challenge" competition will be held Nov. 3, with vehicles executing simulated military supply missions in a mock urban area.

DARPA will award $2 million, $1 million and $500,000 awards to the top three finishers.

In the Urban Challenge, the goal is to have the cars operate safely and autonomously through 60 miles of urban surroundings in less than six hours. The competition will take place at an undisclosed location in the western United States.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International


print this article email this article download pdf blog this article bookmark this article     Stumble it Digg this share on Facebook retweet share on Reddit add to delicious
Rate this story - 4.5 /5 (2 votes)


July 3, 2007 all stories

Comments: 0

4.5 /5 (2 votes)
  • Stumble this up

  • Digg this

  • share this

  • hide
  • Related Stories

  • New 'consumer-intelligence' technology will compile detailed profiles
    created Oct 14, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • CU to show off its 100-mpg car-in-progress at state fair
    created Aug 19, 2008 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • Can a laser scanner drive a car?
    created Mar 28, 2008 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • Food insecurity linked with HIV/AIDS in Africa
    created Mar 19, 2008 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • Space Tourism to Rocket in 21st Century, Researchers Predict
    created Feb 22, 2008 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0



  • hide
  • Relevant PhysicsForums posts

  • Quantum computer on DNA
    created 10 hours ago
  • small wind turbine
    created Dec 17, 2009
  • Welding on fasteners
    created Dec 16, 2009
  • Why did you choose to be an Engineer?
    created Dec 16, 2009
  • More from Physics Forums - General Engineering

Other News

Apple iPhones dominate the smartphone market

Google phone revolution or misdirection?

Technology / Business

created 12 hours ago | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Google smartphones are either a daring foray into the telecom world or a misunderstood test of the next-generation of the Internet giant's Android mobile operating system.


Australian government to introduce Internet filter (AP)

Australian government to introduce Internet filter

Technology / Internet

created Dec 15, 2009 | popularity 3.5 / 5 (19) | comments 9

(AP) -- Australia plans to introduce an Internet filtering system to block obscene and crime-linked Web sites despite concerns it will curtail freedoms and won't completely work.


Nissan Leaf

Electric cars rolling out

Technology / Energy

created Dec 16, 2009 | popularity 4.4 / 5 (14) | comments 5

(PhysOrg.com) -- Electric vehicles are far from new, but we are still a long way from electric cars being the norm. Now two new electric cars may bring that goal a step closer.


The world's biggest car-maker Toyota Motor has said it plans to begin commercial sales of its first plug-in hybrid car

Toyota aims to roll out plug-in Prius in two years

Technology / Energy

created Dec 14, 2009 | popularity 4.4 / 5 (9) | comments 6

Toyota Motor said Monday that it plans to begin commercial sales of its first plug-in hybrid vehicle in about two years, aiming to meet growing demand for fuel-efficient cars.


MIT's big wheel in Copenhagen

Biking 2.0: MIT's big wheel in Copenhagen (w/ Video)

Technology / Engineering

created Dec 16, 2009 | popularity 3.9 / 5 (11) | comments 5

Yesterday, Dec. 15, at the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change, MIT researchers debuted the Copenhagen Wheel -- a revolutionary new bicycle wheel that not only boosts power, but can keep track of friends, ...